A gang who broke into the house of a couple and their three daughters allegedly threatened to "shoot the small kids" before fleeing the scene with cash and jewellery.

The allegation was one of a number of assertions made by gardai when seven men charged with aggravated burglary were brought before Cashel District Court yesterday.

A 999 call was made by Emma Corcoran from her home at Burnchurch, Killenaule, Co Tipperary, after a gang smashed the window of the house early on November 21 last and assaulted her husband Mark Corcoran, Detective Sergeant James White told the court.

A recording of the call "clearly outlined the terror inflicted on the Corcoran family and the screams of the Corcoran children could clearly be heard," he said. "It's alleged a threat could be heard clearly and that was 'I'll shoot the small kids'."

The gang had left Dublin on the night of November 20 in a number of cars, the sergeant said, and five of them left the Corcorans' home in a Volkswagen Passat, while two others stole the family's Kia Sorrento.

They were arrested separately by gardai in the subsequent hours.

The seven men charged with the crime were led into court shortly before 10.30am yesterday amid a significant garda presence, including armed officers from the regional support unit.

A large number of onlookers were also present on the street.

Bail applications were made on behalf of five of the suspects. Gardai objected to bail in all cases.

Among the grounds for objection were the seriousness of the alleged offence and the potential life sentence which could be imposed on conviction.

Judge Terence Finn approved bail for John Joyce (19) of Lentisk Lawn, The Donaghies, Donaghmede, Dublin. Solicitor Francis Kelleher said his client wouldn't be taking up the bail at this point.

BAIL

Bail was approved in this case on the accused's own bond of €1,000 and an independent surety of €15,000. Conditions included he obey a curfew of 10pm to 7am every day, sign on at Coolock garda station three times a day and stay outside of Co Tipperary.

There were no bail applications for Donal O'Hara (21) of Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17, who was refused bail last Sunday; or for Dean Byrne (21) of Cabra Park, Dublin 7.